The Seven Seas Lagoon Monorail Crawl

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AJ Wolfe from the Disney Food Blog returns with information about a Disney attraction not advertised in the brochures!

Drinks Available at Ohana and Tambu Lounge
Drinks Available at Ohana and Tambu Lounge
While we all enjoy hitting the theme parks for some great attractions during our Disney World days, there’s still fun to be had once the parks close! I’d like to introduce you to a tidy little excursion called the Monorail Crawl.

When people think about “alcohol + Disney World,” they usually have visions of drinking around the World in Epcot, fond memories of Pleasure Island, or thoughts of indulging in one of the delectable new menu offerings at the Mexico Pavilion’s La Cava del Tequila.

But the original way to have a grand evening of imbibing in Disney World was to visit one of Disney’s resort hotels around Seven Seas Lagoon. And if you’re going to visit one…why not visit them all? Thus, the birth of the Monorail Crawl — it’s a great way to resort hop, but still feel like you have…you know…a purpose!

Here’s How It’s Done
When taking part in the Monorail Crawl, participants can begin at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort, Disney’s Polynesian Resort, or Disney’s Contemporary Resort. Have a drink at your starting point, then load up on the monorail and head to the next resort hotel. Pretty simple, eh?

Jazz Band Outside Mizner's Lounge
Jazz Band Outside Mizner's Lounge
You can even think up themes or games for each hotel, e.g. have a Hawaiian-themed drink at the Polynesian, a classic liqueur at the Grand Floridian, then a good old draft beer at the Contemporary (just be sure to do them in the right order!); or have three members of your party each bring a recipe for a new drink to sample — try one of the new recipes at each new resort!

However you plan to spice up your Monorail Crawl, be sure to designate a driver or two.

Some Favorite Watering Holes to Consider
Mizner’s Lounge at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort: This snazzy spot is the perfect place to begin your crawl. Relax in the lounge with a classic cocktail while you listen to some live jazz.

Outer Rim Lounge at Disney’s Contemporary Resort: This will take you from the Victorian decadence of the Grand Floridian into the George Jetson age! The Outer Rim Lounge offers deep, cushy chairs and an incredible, floor to ceiling view of Bay Lake and the Contemporary pool. If you hit it at the right time, you can even see the Contemporary’s movie on the beach from the Lounge! Click through images of the full menu here.

Outer Rim Lounge Bar
Outer Rim Lounge Bar
Tambu Lounge at Disney’s Polynesian Resort: A Hawaiian-themed paradise of a lounge, this one features live music from the islands as well as a big-screen TV (which could matter if it happens to be game day!). Schedule your crawl so that you can hit the Poly in time to watch some of the Magic Kingdom’s fireworks from the Lounge’s huge picture windows, or get your drinks to go and watch the Electric Water Pageant from the beach.

Remember, this activity can cost as little or as much as you’d like; you don’t need any theme park tickets, and you don’t even have to pay for parking!

Last Minute Suggestions
Here are a couple of suggestions that might make the Crawl even better:

  • Schedule this excursion when you’re staying at a monorail resort. As fun as it is when staying elsewhere, it’s even better when you can just monorail it back to your resort and head to bed at the end of the evening.
  • If you’re staying at another property, take a Disney bus or a shuttle to the starting point. You’ll be glad to not have to drive at the end.
  • Bring friends! While a small party is fun, sharing the Crawl with a crowd can make it even more of a memory.

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AJ Wolfe

AJ writes The Disney Food Blog and guest authors at the Touring Plans blog about food in the Disney theme parks and resorts.

22 thoughts on “The Seven Seas Lagoon Monorail Crawl

  • March 9, 2010 at 12:46 pm
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    why didn’t I think of this?! I’ll definitely have to round up the troops to try this one out when we stay at the Contemporary in December.

    Thanks for the info, AJ!

    Reply
  • March 9, 2010 at 1:01 pm
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    I thought you’d be old hat at this one, Kristen!! Can’t wait to hear your review.

    Reply
    • March 13, 2010 at 10:20 am
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      it looks like a group is going to do it during reunion! you should come!

      Reply
      • March 13, 2010 at 10:28 am
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        When’s the reunion? December?

      • March 13, 2010 at 10:49 am
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        December 1-6 its sure to be a blast

      • March 15, 2010 at 12:42 am
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        Hmm…might have to start crusading for those dates NOW!

      • March 15, 2010 at 2:56 pm
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        you should! the group who went to tentfest was awesome and most of us are planning to go to reunion. we’d love for you to join us… especially for a few rounds!

  • March 9, 2010 at 1:21 pm
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    I love this idea. For years, our family vacations to Disney have always included time for “Monorail Shopping” as my kids call it. However, I look forward to our next trip in order to try the Monorail Crawl.

    Reply
  • March 9, 2010 at 1:49 pm
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    I did this during my last visit in Dec 2009, only I called it Drinking around the Monorail. We started at the Contemporary and finished at the Magic Kingdom. Once at the Magic Kingdom we walked to the Dessert Party and had a magnificent time. By the time the fireworks were over I was able to navigate my way back to the Contemporary to have a good nights sleep.

    Reply
  • March 9, 2010 at 2:51 pm
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    Heather — This is a great addition to shopping if you ask me… 😉

    Filben — Thanks for the review! Topping this off with the Wishes Dessert Party would be just about perfect. Great idea.

    Matt — I’m pretty sure we need to test the Monorail Crawl starting from each individual resort…just to see which is best, no?

    Reply
  • March 11, 2010 at 4:24 pm
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    When not staying at a monorail resort, I like to take a resort boat back to the MK and there you can get a bus back to your resort. That works if the buses are still running. When they’re not, take a taxi. The notion of taking a bus from the Contemporary to Downtown Disney to catch a bus to the Villas at Fort Wilderness at 2am was . . . ‘er, ’em, flawed.

    Reply
    • March 11, 2010 at 5:34 pm
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      Ha ha! No kidding, Janet. You mean you didn’t just bring your bathing suit and swim back over to your hotel? 😉 I think this definitely calls for a taxi! Great tip.

      Reply
  • March 11, 2010 at 8:14 pm
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    Wait…there are drinks on the monorail?

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  • March 11, 2010 at 10:46 pm
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    BYOB, but I bet we can work something out!

    Reply
  • March 14, 2010 at 10:24 am
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    This is such a great idea! Next trip, I’m going to schedule one of these!

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    • March 15, 2010 at 12:42 am
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      Gray, I hope I get to “crawl” with you sometime soon!

      Reply
  • March 16, 2010 at 9:09 am
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    I will be doing the monorail crawl this summer.

    Reply
  • February 18, 2011 at 7:30 pm
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    Mate nice website, but there is a problem with it in explorer

    Reply
  • August 9, 2012 at 8:00 pm
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    We’re completing the monorail crawl this Saturday. I’ll be sure to let you know how it goes!!

    Reply

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